Success Stories

Each year, we assist clients in turning their idea into a viable business. We are proud to showcase success stories from local entrepreneurs who have walked through our doors and achieved their entrepreneurial dream.

Interior Garage Design

Chris Rustin, owner of Interior Garage Design, was inspired to start his business following his experience planning his own garage interior. He wanted a garage to multi-task, where he could have a place to watch a game or to use as an office. Interior Garage Design offers a unique range of services and superior products designed to help homeowners reinvent or just reclaim a valuable part of their own real estate -- the garage.

This St. Catharines business offers a full line of custom-installed flooring and cabinetry from Canadian manufacturers such as RaceDeck® and Cabinets by Hayley. Through ingenuity and a passion to create functional garages, Chris has created a truly unique and viable business.

Marble Slab Creamery®

Since opening its doors, Marble Slab Creamery® owners Phil and Julie Kaethler have been thrilled by the response to their business from residents of Niagara. The gourmet ice cream parlour, located across from the Pen Centre at the Pendale Plaza, offers a unique experience where customers get to create their own one-of-a-kind dessert.

The Creamery makes all 41 flavours of their super premium ice cream on-site, made from fresh sweet cream that is delivered weekly and complimented by more than 35 fruit, nuts, chocolate bars and candies, known as "mixins." Customers select their desired ice cream flavour which is scooped onto a frozen marble slab, next they select their mixins and then watch as staff skilfully create their delectable masterpiece.

The Kaethlers are an example of the success that can be achieved with a careful evaluation of the market potential for a product offering, an approach that is vital to ensuring the success of any business.

Pig Out Ontario Inc.

Owners: Alan and Anne DicksonTelephone: 905.650.0781 or 905.650.0761Email Pig Out Ontario Inc.After 20 years in the hospitality industry in Scotland, Alan and Anne Dickson decided to try a new venture in Canada. Having worked with City of St. Catharines staff, Pig Out Ontario Inc. has truly become a made-in-St. Catharines business. Pig Out manufactures a unique spit roast and outdoor cooking centre, and offers event catering and catering brand licensing.

Clients throughout the Niagara region have enjoyed the delights of the Spit Roast, including local wineries and golf clubs, wedding parties, and corporate and sporting events. Pig Out's attendance at festivals, including the Niagara Wine Festival and farmers markets, has been an overwhelming success.

The couple were recently awarded Outstanding New Business at the 2009 Business Achievement Awards presented by the St. Catharines-Thorold Chamber of Commerce.